Drought Vulnerability of Illinois' Community Surface Water Systems, Illinois State Water Survey

Illinois Drought

Otter Lake Water Commission

System Information

System Description

Water is pumped from Otter Lake to the treatment plant at up to 2200 gpm. An emergency connection with Chatham is available. Most of the sedimentation occurs in the lake's northern basin, although a new sedimentation basin should alleviate this problem.

Satellite Communities and Water Districts

Auburn, Divernon, Girard, Glen Arm, Henderson P. Thayer WD, Hettick*, N Macoupin County, Nilwood, Pawnee, S Palmyra WD*, Tovey, and Virden
Locator map for Otter Lake Water Commission

Population Served:

16300

County:

Macoupin

Watersheds:

Macoupin
Water Source
Name Type Stream DA (sq mi) SA (ac) Capacity Year Est. Est. 2010 Cap. (ac-ft)
Otter Lake IR W Fk Otter Cr 20.2 734 13767 1998 13592.5

1989 Study:

50-year drought yield sufficient at present level of water use.

USGS Gages:

No data available

Developments since 1989:

A plant upgrade from 2.7 mgd to 3.5 mgd is proposed. Emergency access to Taylorville's supply via Chatham is being considered. During the 2005 drought, an algae bloom generated many complaints about the water's taste and odor, requiring solar-powered circulators and heavy doses of powder-activated carbon for treatment.
Chart of Annual Raw Water Production (mgd)
Note: *Hettick and the South Palmyra WD receive approximately half of their supply from Otter Lake.

Notes and Terminology

Vulnerability Report

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Illinois State Water Survey

2204 Griffith Dr., MC-674
Champaign, IL 61820-7463
217-333-2210
Email us with questions or comments.

 

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